Campolo on Emergent
10 Dec 2004
From Will Samson
————
Several folks have alerted the blogiverse to an article by one of my favorite writers/sociologists/theologians/fellow-bald-guys, Tony Campolo, on the Emergent Church from the Winston-Salem Journal entitled Growing: Movement is new form of evangelism. I think this is an important read…
and an important contribution to the conversation.
While every characterization of the emergent church did not ring true in my own life, Campolo is a sociologist and I found some parts of his portrayal to be very accurate. In particular I appreciated his understanding of the social systems and the leadership structure of the emergent church. I also think that he properly analyzed much of the motivation of those involved in the emergent church.
As someone involved in the emergent conversation, one of the elements I would have liked him to mention is the focus on theology. While he did mention “traditional evangelical beliefs” and “spiritual formation” one of the most encouraging parts of the emergent conversation is how it has brought me back into conversation with the text. I wonder how Campolo might respond if asked, “Do you think the emergent conversation is bringing people back into conversation with the story of God?”
Great read. Go here then let me know what you think.
6 comments
Trackback
Comment by Bob
6.18 pm on 10 Dec 2004
You’re right, an interesting, though short, read. I’ve just started paying attention to the emerging church recently. I haven’t really made up my mind about how I feel on the subject. I tend to agree with much of the analysis of the institutional church, but I also appreciate the accountability that comes with a denomination (even if it is not exercised often or correctly…an issue). I was somewhat bothered by the statements of inclusiveness that Campolo talks about. While judgement is God’s job, Scripture is clear that Christ is the only way. If inclusiveness is that pervasive, I’m not sure I could sign on. Apart from that, good stuff.
Comment by Keith Seckel
6.27 pm on 10 Dec 2004
Yeah — that was a good little read there!
It reminded me of something: when I take personality tests like the Myers-Briggs, etc, I like the part at the end, when you are all done, and you read their assessment — and go “Wow! That’s me! Someone who doesn’t even know me just did a good job of telling me, from a fairly objective viewpoint, a bunch of things abot me that are true — a nice little synopsis!”
In his (yes, too brief! say some more Tony!) article, he said things I might not have been able to articulate, but am able to recognize and affirm in myself and others.
Thanks for the link!
~ Keith
Comment by + Alan
7.34 pm on 10 Dec 2004
Yeah Jason, I just read that myself today. I found it very good – as accurate as one might be from the “outside.” I think that has much to do with the fact that he’s a Sociologist. Very observant.
I find it amazing that he never speaks to it – then boom, he gets it more than some who are “in” it. Yes, theology, and alternate forms of studying it would have been good. Also, the word “catholic” wasn’t used. I actually see much of the emerging church that i’m familiar with as not truly being very “evangelical” any more. The embracing of catholic Christianity is huge I think. Peace.
Trackback by subversive influence
4.30 am on 11 Dec 2004
Campolo on the Emergent Church
Do Emergent Churches embrace universalism because they’re all postmodernists?
Comment by andy gr
6.18 pm on 13 Dec 2004
incidentally, Tony Campolo is coming to the UK in May, and (probably) speaking at a big meeting in Chelmsford; possibilities of a daytime get together with him beforehand; anyone interested?
Comment by Scott Baxter
5.58 pm on 14 Dec 2004
The challenge posed, and I guess the assumption that floats around in many minds is; “It remains to be seen whether the Emergent Church will fade away or become an ongoing expression of Christianity.”
If it just becomes an ‘ongoing expression’ then we are, to use a book title by campolo ‘missing the point’ I am optimistic that this will not be the case.
Comments are now closed.